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Author Topic:   KICKER FOR CONQUEST 23

BW 23 posted 03-20-2004 11:30 PM ET (US)
I HOPE SOMEONE CAN HELP ANSWER WHAT WOULD BE THE BEST KICKER FOR A 23 CONQUEST? BOAT NOW HAS A 225 MERC SINGLE.
I WANT TO REALLY JUST USE FOR BACK UP. 2 STROKE 4 STROKE
9HP 15HP????? LONG SHAFT SHORT SHAFT?
AND WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO TIE IN STEERING , FUEL ,MOUNTING
THANKS FOR ANY HELP
kamie posted 03-21-2004 03:04 AM ET (US)
BW 23,
first, typing in all caps is shouting in a forum like this. I'm old but not deaf and neither is anyone else here. Second, the minimum HP on the 23' conquest is 150, max 300HP and the boat weights in at 3650lbs . On a boat that size there is no way 15HP kicker is going to get you anywhere. If you want to go offshore and are worried about the engine failing, seems to me you would be better off with a pair of 150's. At least in that case, if a single engine failed you could get somewhere on the remaining engine, if a bit slower. There may be other suggestions by some of the folks more knowledgeable
BW23 posted 03-21-2004 12:14 PM ET (US)
I also have a 23 Con hence my BW23 user name.
I noticed that you recently registered and I'm curious if you could possibly change your user name so there is no confusion between your posts and mine.
Regards,
Dave
bbrunner posted 03-23-2004 09:38 AM ET (US)
I recently posed this question and got some good feedback. Not sure how to paste the url for the previous post, but if you search within the last 90 days, you'll find the post i had with a similar title.

I ended up going with a 15hp 4stroke that the boat was originally outfitted with by a guide for the Great Lakes. I haven't had it out in the water to test the performance yet, but I can post the details if anyone is interested. It was an interesting configuration because the braket had to be cut to fit it on the starboard side.
Clark Roberts posted 03-24-2004 07:44 AM ET (US)
This may be of interest: My friend's 23 Conquest with twin 135 Mercury Optimaxs will plane easily and run about 27mph on one engine (other tilted up) without changing to lower pitch prop.
seasicknes posted 03-25-2004 10:40 PM ET (US)
I chose a 15 hp HONDA as my kicker.
Changed out the prop to a 4 blade.
The new honda and yamaha kicker motors now have electric tilt.
Ken
bigjohn1 posted 03-31-2004 09:06 AM ET (US)
I'm with Kamie on this one....a 15 will not do the job. Kickers used to be very popular on 16-20 foot boats in the Pacific islands as back-up power sources if you got caught off-shore with a main engine problem. Some did not find out till it was too late; they had their main go out off-shore, fired up the kicker, then ended up calling the Coast Guard anyway once they learned that little kicker would do little more than help them hold position in the current and wind chop.
The trend now in this part of the world for boaters on a budget (aint we all?) is a new 4-stroke, meticulous engine maintenance, dual batteries, VHF, and an EPIRB.
Big John
bbrunner posted 03-31-2004 10:36 AM ET (US)
I think there are some members here that have used their kickers to get back from offshore successfully(at least that's what they told me when I asked) and have said that since their 2nd motor won't get them up on plane, its "almost" the same thing. It seems a second large motor would be best, but a 15hp kicker being useless?
BigJohn- what did you mean by a "four stroke"- is that a four stroke single, twins, and what's EPIRB?
AQUANUT posted 03-31-2004 10:37 AM ET (US)
I install kickers often on older glaspar and reinell and glasply 24 footers.....heavy heavy boats that are old...break down often...they are used often on the oregon coast...I suggest 15hp...merc bigfoot..honda power thrust orthe yamaha high thrust..long shaft..they dig deep and swing big props....true in bad weax..best ya can do is keep it bow into the waves and wind...keeps ya from gettin crossed in the trough.....be ready for a 25hour trip back to port where is might only take 20 minutes..
bigjohn1 posted 03-31-2004 09:05 PM ET (US)
bbruner,
Yes, I meant 4-stroke outboard engine. EPIRB's are the emergency beacons that send your position via satelite so the rescure folks can hopefully come save your butt. As a side note, they are standard equipment on many classes of U.S. Navy ships...
John
David Pendleton posted 04-07-2004 07:04 PM ET (US)
I've seen a few with 25's and 30's. But this was for trolling Lakes Superior and Michigan.
Take the thousands you'd spend on this 'back-up' and put it into good safety equipment, engine maintenance, and a Boat/U.S. membership with the max towing option.
Dave
pashopper posted 05-26-2004 04:04 PM ET (US)
pashopper posted 01-17-2004 10:30 PM ET (US)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I own a 1997, 23 conquest hardtop, with Merc 225 EFI.
I purchased a 15hp 4 stroke yamaha long shaft (105lbs) last year for a reserve motor since I was venturing off shore and wanted some back up to get back home. I have tow boat insurance but having used it once a few years back it would have been quicker rowing back.
I purchased the boat used with a 8hp kicker and it did push the boat but was no match for some sea swells and it kept popping out of the water (not good). I debated the 9.9hp high thrust and the 15 and I am glad I went with the 15.
I currently have my 15hp mounted on a spring loaded motor mount bracket (124lb rated) on the starboard side. I used to trailer the boat with the motor mounted but I the metal fail on the bracket and almost lost my motor while trailering. The bracket company stated never to trailer with the motor mounted (didn't read the fine print). They told me to send the bracket back and they sent me a brand new one "no charge". I now remove the motor when trailering and put it in the truck.
The 15hp Yamaha pushes my boat about 6MPH. I lock 15hp motor straight and I steer from the steering wheel with my Merc 225. I thought I would need a steering connection but I have very good steerage with no connection.
I went with the long shaft manual start (no need for battery if I have an electrical problem). I am glad I purchased the long shaft since in rough seas the motor is well seated in the water even on big swells.
I hooked the fuel line to a shut off valve that is connected to the second connection to the fuel water separator.
Last year I installed a standard horrizon fuel flow meter and had a confusing set up to flow fuel metering both engines. It turns out the Yamaha burns 1 galloon per hour full out (vs merch 18gph) and I went with the simpler connection described above before the end of the summer.
I know I rambled but I hope it helps with your decision.

Camuyano posted 05-26-2004 04:57 PM ET (US)
The reason why our boats require so much hp is to get them on plane. If you don't have enough power to get on plane then you're not going to go any faster than "hull speed" because the boat cannot overcome its bow wave so any extra hp over what is needed to achieve hull speed is wasted. That's why you see 30'sailboats with 15 hp outboards and why you won't be that much better off with twins if you cannot get on plane with just one engine.
Imanuel
seasicknes posted 05-26-2004 05:20 PM ET (US)
A kicker motor won't get you back home all that quick, but it does perform some important things for you. First, it can steer you into the waves instead of being dead on the water. Second, it can make progress even though your running about 5 to 6 mph on the water.
I use my kicker motor for trolling for salmon (saves on gas) and have it as an emergency motor just in case.
I have an omc bracket on there and I may change that out in the future. I takes some strength to push it down and lock it because they use a gas pressure piston. I am thinking of the garelick HYDRA electric mount.
If your out there stranded and you call vessel assist/boatus there going to take awhile for them to get to you and plus they tow you back very slow. May take double the time. At times those tow boats get very busy so your in the queue.
Ken
jimh posted 05-27-2004 11:40 PM ET (US)
I am not very keen on abbreviations or acronyms that people just make up or invent on the spot, but ones like EPIRB are fairly well known in maritime lingo.
I use this handy website to look up acronyms:
http://www.acronymfinder.com/
HappyTime posted 05-28-2004 02:32 PM ET (US)
I have 15hp on my Outrage 21, and I got home twice with
it ( thanks to FITCH a few years ago, but my new FICHT is
good now).
Anyway, my argument is this: even if the kicker won't move you very fast but if you are in the current (such as Golden Gate) and the wave and the wind that push you around the bigger the kicker the better.

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Author	Topic: KICKER FOR CONQUEST 23
BW 23	posted 03-20-2004 11:30 PM ET (US) I HOPE SOMEONE CAN HELP ANSWER WHAT WOULD BE THE BEST KICKER FOR A 23 CONQUEST? BOAT NOW HAS A 225 MERC SINGLE. I WANT TO REALLY JUST USE FOR BACK UP. 2 STROKE 4 STROKE 9HP 15HP????? LONG SHAFT SHORT SHAFT? AND WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO TIE IN STEERING , FUEL ,MOUNTING THANKS FOR ANY HELP
kamie	posted 03-21-2004 03:04 AM ET (US) BW 23, first, typing in all caps is shouting in a forum like this. I'm old but not deaf and neither is anyone else here. Second, the minimum HP on the 23' conquest is 150, max 300HP and the boat weights in at 3650lbs . On a boat that size there is no way 15HP kicker is going to get you anywhere. If you want to go offshore and are worried about the engine failing, seems to me you would be better off with a pair of 150's. At least in that case, if a single engine failed you could get somewhere on the remaining engine, if a bit slower. There may be other suggestions by some of the folks more knowledgeable
BW23	posted 03-21-2004 12:14 PM ET (US) I also have a 23 Con hence my BW23 user name. I noticed that you recently registered and I'm curious if you could possibly change your user name so there is no confusion between your posts and mine. Regards, Dave
bbrunner	posted 03-23-2004 09:38 AM ET (US) I recently posed this question and got some good feedback. Not sure how to paste the url for the previous post, but if you search within the last 90 days, you'll find the post i had with a similar title. I ended up going with a 15hp 4stroke that the boat was originally outfitted with by a guide for the Great Lakes. I haven't had it out in the water to test the performance yet, but I can post the details if anyone is interested. It was an interesting configuration because the braket had to be cut to fit it on the starboard side.
Clark Roberts	posted 03-24-2004 07:44 AM ET (US) This may be of interest: My friend's 23 Conquest with twin 135 Mercury Optimaxs will plane easily and run about 27mph on one engine (other tilted up) without changing to lower pitch prop.
seasicknes	posted 03-25-2004 10:40 PM ET (US) I chose a 15 hp HONDA as my kicker. Changed out the prop to a 4 blade. The new honda and yamaha kicker motors now have electric tilt. Ken
bigjohn1	posted 03-31-2004 09:06 AM ET (US) I'm with Kamie on this one....a 15 will not do the job. Kickers used to be very popular on 16-20 foot boats in the Pacific islands as back-up power sources if you got caught off-shore with a main engine problem. Some did not find out till it was too late; they had their main go out off-shore, fired up the kicker, then ended up calling the Coast Guard anyway once they learned that little kicker would do little more than help them hold position in the current and wind chop. The trend now in this part of the world for boaters on a budget (aint we all?) is a new 4-stroke, meticulous engine maintenance, dual batteries, VHF, and an EPIRB. Big John
bbrunner	posted 03-31-2004 10:36 AM ET (US) I think there are some members here that have used their kickers to get back from offshore successfully(at least that's what they told me when I asked) and have said that since their 2nd motor won't get them up on plane, its "almost" the same thing. It seems a second large motor would be best, but a 15hp kicker being useless? BigJohn- what did you mean by a "four stroke"- is that a four stroke single, twins, and what's EPIRB?
AQUANUT	posted 03-31-2004 10:37 AM ET (US) I install kickers often on older glaspar and reinell and glasply 24 footers.....heavy heavy boats that are old...break down often...they are used often on the oregon coast...I suggest 15hp...merc bigfoot..honda power thrust orthe yamaha high thrust..long shaft..they dig deep and swing big props....true in bad weax..best ya can do is keep it bow into the waves and wind...keeps ya from gettin crossed in the trough.....be ready for a 25hour trip back to port where is might only take 20 minutes..
bigjohn1	posted 03-31-2004 09:05 PM ET (US) bbruner, Yes, I meant 4-stroke outboard engine. EPIRB's are the emergency beacons that send your position via satelite so the rescure folks can hopefully come save your butt. As a side note, they are standard equipment on many classes of U.S. Navy ships... John
David Pendleton	posted 04-07-2004 07:04 PM ET (US) I've seen a few with 25's and 30's. But this was for trolling Lakes Superior and Michigan. Take the thousands you'd spend on this 'back-up' and put it into good safety equipment, engine maintenance, and a Boat/U.S. membership with the max towing option. Dave
pashopper	posted 05-26-2004 04:04 PM ET (US) pashopper posted 01-17-2004 10:30 PM ET (US) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I own a 1997, 23 conquest hardtop, with Merc 225 EFI. I purchased a 15hp 4 stroke yamaha long shaft (105lbs) last year for a reserve motor since I was venturing off shore and wanted some back up to get back home. I have tow boat insurance but having used it once a few years back it would have been quicker rowing back. I purchased the boat used with a 8hp kicker and it did push the boat but was no match for some sea swells and it kept popping out of the water (not good). I debated the 9.9hp high thrust and the 15 and I am glad I went with the 15. I currently have my 15hp mounted on a spring loaded motor mount bracket (124lb rated) on the starboard side. I used to trailer the boat with the motor mounted but I the metal fail on the bracket and almost lost my motor while trailering. The bracket company stated never to trailer with the motor mounted (didn't read the fine print). They told me to send the bracket back and they sent me a brand new one "no charge". I now remove the motor when trailering and put it in the truck. The 15hp Yamaha pushes my boat about 6MPH. I lock 15hp motor straight and I steer from the steering wheel with my Merc 225. I thought I would need a steering connection but I have very good steerage with no connection. I went with the long shaft manual start (no need for battery if I have an electrical problem). I am glad I purchased the long shaft since in rough seas the motor is well seated in the water even on big swells. I hooked the fuel line to a shut off valve that is connected to the second connection to the fuel water separator. Last year I installed a standard horrizon fuel flow meter and had a confusing set up to flow fuel metering both engines. It turns out the Yamaha burns 1 galloon per hour full out (vs merch 18gph) and I went with the simpler connection described above before the end of the summer. I know I rambled but I hope it helps with your decision.
Camuyano	posted 05-26-2004 04:57 PM ET (US) The reason why our boats require so much hp is to get them on plane. If you don't have enough power to get on plane then you're not going to go any faster than "hull speed" because the boat cannot overcome its bow wave so any extra hp over what is needed to achieve hull speed is wasted. That's why you see 30'sailboats with 15 hp outboards and why you won't be that much better off with twins if you cannot get on plane with just one engine. Imanuel
seasicknes	posted 05-26-2004 05:20 PM ET (US) A kicker motor won't get you back home all that quick, but it does perform some important things for you. First, it can steer you into the waves instead of being dead on the water. Second, it can make progress even though your running about 5 to 6 mph on the water. I use my kicker motor for trolling for salmon (saves on gas) and have it as an emergency motor just in case. I have an omc bracket on there and I may change that out in the future. I takes some strength to push it down and lock it because they use a gas pressure piston. I am thinking of the garelick HYDRA electric mount. If your out there stranded and you call vessel assist/boatus there going to take awhile for them to get to you and plus they tow you back very slow. May take double the time. At times those tow boats get very busy so your in the queue. Ken
jimh	posted 05-27-2004 11:40 PM ET (US) I am not very keen on abbreviations or acronyms that people just make up or invent on the spot, but ones like EPIRB are fairly well known in maritime lingo. I use this handy website to look up acronyms: http://www.acronymfinder.com/
HappyTime	posted 05-28-2004 02:32 PM ET (US) I have 15hp on my Outrage 21, and I got home twice with it ( thanks to FITCH a few years ago, but my new FICHT is good now). Anyway, my argument is this: even if the kicker won't move you very fast but if you are in the current (such as Golden Gate) and the wave and the wind that push you around the bigger the kicker the better.